Help identify Tree/Shrub possibly native to Manitoba, Canada?

missygreenthumbsNovember 6, 2013

I'm trying to find this tree/shrub and I'm not sure of the name of it, although my sister (who has it) thinks it may be an Aralia. She had mentioned to me that it was from Manitoba so she wasn't concerned about it's hardiness for London, Ontario. I have tried taking pieces of it to nurseries for identification, but no one can help me--I even sent pictures to a nursery in Manitoba, but they were 'stumped' too. I can't manage to root a cutting either, even with hormone powder. I can't figure out how to upload more than one picture so here is the close-up shot. The leaves are a silvery green, almost willow-like but very, very thin, and they curl slightly. They look almost like needles yet are soft to the touch like a leaf. The bark is a dark grey colour. The height of the tree/shrub would be about 7 or 8 feet. If anyone can name this tree/shrub, and let me know where I can purchase one, it would be so greatly appreciated!!

Thanks, you have all been so helpful. I love this site! 'Anywho', showed the picture to my sister and while she agrees it looks to be it, the web-site describes it as having white flowers and then black berries, neither of which happens with my sisters tree. Any other ideas??

I am convinced that is what you have . Here's a quote from ForestFarm nursery.

A little more about Rhamnus frangula Asplenifolia - Fern-leaf Buckthorn
A remarkable mostly sterile form of the alder buckthorn with long, very narrow glossy leaves which give this 15' shrub/tree an overall feeling of lacy airiness. Sun/Med